Maine voters resoundingly endorsed a $35.5 million bond measure for land conservation on Tuesday but were more closely divided on two other state borrowing packages on the ballot.

With 84 percent of precincts reporting, more than 63 percent of voters supported a bond proposal that would funnel $35.5 million toward programs for land conservation, expanded access to outdoor recreation and protection of working waterfronts and wildlife habitat.

Two other bond issues on the ballot also appeared headed for passage, but with much slimmer margins, according to unofficial vote tallies compiled by the Bangor Daily News.

The largest bond measure – to authorize $55 million in state borrowing for research and development and other economic development initiatives – had received slightly more than 51 percent of the vote.

About $50 million of the total would go toward R&D grants administered by the Maine Technology Institute, a state-affiliated agency, through a competitive process to faculty, staff and students at the state’s public universities as well as to Maine-based researchers.

Supporters argued that Maine’s research labs – both public and private – are critical to spurring additional economic growth, particularly in the growing technology sector. University of Maine System officials estimate that their labs return $5 for every $1 invested in R&D.

Faculty and researchers at Maine’s public universities may even be able to perform that research in new or renovated labs if another bond measure on Tuesday’s ballot passes.

Question 3 would authorize $43.5 million in state borrowing for capital improvements at Maine’s colleges and universities, public schools and cultural institutions. That measure had received support from slightly more than 51 percent of voters, according to preliminary results.

The University of Maine System campuses would receive more than half of the bonds – a total of $23 million for interior and exterior building renovations and improvements on the seven campuses. Maine’s community colleges, which have experienced 57 percent enrollment growth in the past four years, would receive $15.5 million for capital improvements.

The remainder of the Question 3 funding would go to Maine Maritime Academy, to replenish the School Revolving Renovation Fund and to finance capital projects at museums, libraries and historical facilities.

“Today’s bond questions are about providing better opportunities through investments,” Gov. John Baldacci said earlier Tuesday. “We want our young people to continue to find opportunities here in our state. By investing in research and development, higher education and our quality of place, we are investing in our children and their future.”

Although it is the smallest bond measure on the ballot, Question 4, the $35.5 million land conservation bond, has attracted arguably the most attention.

Roughly half of the funds – $17 million – will replenish the coffers of the Land for Maine’s Future program, which during its 20 years of existence has helped protect more than 445,000 acres throughout the state.

Voters have earmarked $97 million to LMF through previous bond measures, helping to protect such places as Mount Kineo in Moosehead Lake and the Cutler Coast in Washington County and to expand several state parks.

Applicants are required to match every $1 of LMF funds with other sources, but in recent years the match has been more like $4 for every dollar of state money.

State parks and historic sites also will receive $7.5 million from Question 4 for repairs, maintenance and infrastructure improvements, many of which are long overdue, according to supporters. Another $3 million will go to help protect working waterfront areas.

Jim Crocker, spokesman for the Maine Department of Conservation, said the unofficial results compare favorably to previous bond measures involving LMF.

“It’s been in the 60s every time it’s gone out to the voters,” Crocker said late Tuesday night, referring to the percentage in favor.

Crocker also said he believes support for the state parks was also a factor in the measure’s strong showing in the polls.

“Two million visitors every year shows that people, and Maine people especially, love what we have, … but they also support efforts to spruce them up a bit and to do routine maintenance,” he said.

One new initiative contained in the measure was $5 million that will be earmarked to a program that will help pay for economic development or revitalization programs in riverfront communities.

Tuesday’s ballot questions were the second of three rounds of bond measures that are being put to Maine voters.